Great British Heritage
The Great Gardens of Snowdonia and Anglesey Tour
North Wales’ dramatic mountain scenery, sheltered valleys and temperate maritime climate provide the setting for some of the country’s most memorable gardens. In the company of expert horticulturist Tony Russell, this North Wales garden tour explores exceptional landscapes across Snowdonia and Anglesey, revealing their distinctive planting, design and history.
Discover the sweeping lawns, terraces and woodland of Bodnant Garden and the colourful ten-acre garden at Maenan Hall before travelling through Snowdonia to the Arts & Crafts garden at Plas Brondanw. At Portmeirion, explore Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’s extraordinary Italianate village and subtropical gardens, with a visit to the Glaslyn Osprey Centre also included.
Crossing the Menai Strait to Anglesey, visit Plas Newydd, which enjoys magnificent views towards the Snowdon range, and conclude at the remarkable Plas Cadnant Gardens, lovingly restored after years of neglect. Together, these varied gardens offer an inspiring portrait of North Wales, complemented throughout by Tony’s extensive horticultural knowledge.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Tony Russell
Tony has worked in horticulture for almost forty years, including fourteen years in charge of Britain’s National Arboretum at Westonbirt and ten years as a plant consultant to the National Trust. His career began with the Forestry Commission and has given him exceptional knowledge of trees, shrubs and designed landscapes.
Tony has also presented television and radio programmes and appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. His expert commentary combines botanical detail with the stories behind each garden, making him an informed and thoroughly engaging companion.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Welcome drink, dinner and introductory talk from Tony Russell
Arrive independently at the IXORA Hotel & Spa from 15.00. Welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk ‘The Gardens of Snowdonia and Anglesey’, from your horticulturalist tour guide, Tony Russell.
Day 2: Maenan Hall and Bodnant Gardens
Three days of remarkable gardens start with Maenan Hall on the slopes of the Conwy Valley, which offers wonderful views of Snowdonia. Set in the grounds of a medieval manor house, amongst mature hardwoods, with sweeping lawns, ornamental ponds and a bluebell carpeted woodland dell containing copious specimen shrubs and trees, this is a gorgeous ten-acre garden created by the Aberconway family over seventy years and is awash with colour.
Afternoon visit to the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden. Created over 150 years through the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and the Puddle head gardeners, Bodnant is a delight to the senses with its sweeping lawns, grand terraces, verdant woodland and stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia. It boasts one of the best collections of rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and azaleas in Britain. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Plas Brondanw, Glaslyn Osprey Centre and Portmeirion
This morning we travel through Snowdonia’s magnificent mountain and lake scenery to our first garden at Plas Brondanw, the ancestral home and Arts & Crafts garden of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Here the splendid landscaping offers yews, an orangery and glorious mountain views. We will then have the opportunity of visiting the Glaslyn Osprey Centre, to see the very first ospreys to nest in Wales for more than 100 years.
Continuing on to the picturesque harbour town of Porthmadog, we will have time for a leisurely lunch (not included), before a packed but enjoyable day ends at the world-famous Italianate village and gardens of Portmeirion, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, star of many TV series including cult 1960s series “The Prisoner.” Here, Tony will take us on a guided tour of these astonishing gardens, full of tender subtropical plants. Not only the eccentric architecture, but the shrubs, hedges, abundant flowers, lakes, woodland and stunning coastal views are nothing short of spectacular. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Plas Newydd and Plas Cadnant
For our final day of visits, we head across the Menai Strait to Anglesey and the remarkable gardens of Plas Newydd, Anglesey, the stately home of the Marquess of Anglesey, which enjoys spectacular views over the Menai Strait to the Snowdon range beyond. The grounds, thanks to the benign climate, are rich in colours throughout the year and a fitting inclusion on the last day of this superb new tour.
After time for lunch (not included) our last visit is to the remarkable gardens of Plas Cadnant. Once lost beneath a sea of woody weeds and trees, Plas Cadnant has, over the last twenty years, been lovingly and cleverly restored by owner Anthony Tavernor, who will be on hand to welcome us. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30 where the tour will end.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The private gardens at Plas Cadnant and Maenan Hall were fascinating, especially having the chance to hear directly from the owner and head gardener. The tour was expertly led by Tony, whose passion and knowledge truly enhanced the experience.”
Mr A, travelled June 2025
“The private gardens were the highlight, and Tony Russell’s wealth of knowledge added so much depth to each visit. Despite some walking challenges, the trip was thoroughly enjoyable.”
Gwen & Keith Brown, travelled June 2025
“The smaller, privately owned gardens made the experience feel more personal and unique. Everything ran smoothly, and the hotel—while quirky in its room storage—was comfortable and welcoming.”
Ms B, travelled June 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
IXORA Hotel & Spa
This four-star hotel based in Conwy is well located for our tour. Facilities here include spa and wellness centre, garden, terrace, bar, restaurant as well as comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, hairdryer, iron, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel Parking Complimentary.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction.
The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter is where you will hear about new tours first, along with travel insights from our leaders and occasional notes from the destinations we visit. We send it thoughtfully: no noise, just the things we think you will genuinely want to read.
"*" indicates required fields
